answersLogoWhite

0

The origin of the middle-finger gesture is interesting. It comes from a gesture made by medieval archers. Let me explain. Medieval archers used the long bow, and to pull the string back required the strength of both the middle finger and the index finger. The main strength, though, came from the middle one. Try it, and you'll see. Now, when, during the Hundred Years War, for example, the English wanted to show how many archers they had killed during a battle, they would first go about the field cutting off the middle fingers of the dead archers, or, as the case might be, those archers injured but still alive and considered a future threat. They knew that cutting off the middle finger was enough. Without that one, the index finger would be useless. Therefore, when an archer wanted to threaten or taunt the opposing army before the start of a battle, he would hold up his middle finger from across the field as if to say, "Hah, hah! I still have what I need to put an arrow through your heart!" The so-called "peace sign" originates from the same gesture, although some would argue it comes from the shape of a dove's toes. But remember, the "V" sign was being made long before the peaceniks were using it: Churchill used it to mean "Victory!" He was making it correctly, for his two fingers hearkened back to the medieval gesture: some archers, remember, would hold up both their fingers--if they still had both. It is ironic that those who put up two fingers to indicate a peaceful intent are actually threatening the lives--they do not know this, of course, of those they are gesturing at.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What does the middle finger mean?

It is an inappropriate gesture.


How come sticking up your pinkie finger is the middle finger in china?

Every country has a different hand gesture to mean that vulgar phrase! This just happens to be the finger that became "popular" in China, while the middle one is used in America.


What is the chinesse middle finger?

its the one between your index finger and the one next to your pinky. if your asking how do you insult someone with your middle finger, then I'm sure they've seen enough American movies to work that one out.


What is the name of your middle finger?

The medical name for the middle finger is Digitus Me'dius. The middle finger is generally the longest finger that a person has and aids the thumb in finger snapping.


What is another name for a middle finger?

In Medicine, as well as Latin, the proper name for the middle finger is digitus me´dius, which means the middle digit.


How do you write a sentence using the word gesture?

I wanted to scream when the woman behind me gave me a rude gesture with her middle finger.


What does twisting your middle finger and ring finger mean?

Twisting your middle finger and ring finger is not a commonly recognized hand gesture with a specific meaning. In some cultural contexts, it could be a gesture of frustration or irritation, but it is not universally understood in this way. It is important to consider cultural differences when interpreting gestures.


What does it mean when you hold up your middle finger only?

It is a rude gesture suggesting fornication.


What does the midle finger mean?

The middle finger is a hand gesture where the middle finger is extended while the other fingers are clenched into a fist. In many cultures, this gesture is considered offensive and is commonly known as "flipping the bird" or "giving the finger." It is typically used to express anger, frustration, or disdain towards someone. It is important to be aware of the cultural implications of using this gesture, as it can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate in many contexts.


What is the significance of the gesture involving Jesus raising his middle finger in certain artistic depictions?

In certain artistic depictions, the gesture of Jesus raising his middle finger is known as the "Digitus Impudicus" or the "obscene finger." This gesture is considered disrespectful and offensive in many cultures and is often used to express anger or contempt. In the context of religious art, this gesture can be interpreted as a provocative or rebellious portrayal of Jesus, challenging traditional beliefs and conventions.


What does pinky finger mean in Chinese?

Supposedly, it is to them what one would think of the middle finger in the United States... a vulgar hand gesture.


Can you point a middle finger gesture?

you get 2 nights in the slamer